UCF quarterback Nick Patti ruled eligible to play for the Knights in the 2014 season

UCF quarterback Nick Patti has been granted a waiver by the NCAA and will be eligible to play for the Knights in the 2014 season, the Orlando Sentinel reports.

Patti's father confirmed the news to the Sentinel, though he noted the NCAA's decision is not a hardship waiver. Instead, the NCAA granted Patti's "request to waive the one-year residence rule based on personal reasons."

A transfer from Boise State, Patti told the Sentinel in February that his decision to leave the Broncos had nothing to do with former coach Chris Petersen's departure to Washington. Rather, the quarterback, who played in high school at Orlando's Dr. Phillips High, just wanted to be closer to home.

“It was really hard. Obviously after you spend two years at a program ... it's one of the hardest things I've every had to do,” Patti said of deciding to leave Boise. “But it was important for me to get home, get closer to my family. I dealt with some personal issues out there that just caused me to want to get closer to home and that's why UCF really fits for me. This was not a quick decision for me. I had been dealing with some things and before any of that happened, I had been looking into it.”

Patti confirmed the news on Thursday.

https://twitter.com/Nick_Patti/status/459366047330877440

Patti transferred to UCF after completing 8-of-11 passes for 63 yards last season for the Broncos. He should compete immediately for the starting job in place of departed star Blake Bortles. The Knights' race includes sophomore Justin Holman -- Bortles' backup last season -- redshirt freshman Pete DiNovo and true freshman Tyler Harris.